Ennis- PG in the ACC

[RF2044]

I think this is a big question mark. As you point out, some of the MCW forcing shots was a result of the offense being less than spectacular. There are some reasons to expect this year's will be better. But there's really only one guy who's proven he can score consistently at the college level (Fair, obviously). As high as we all are on Grant, there's no guarantee he's going to be able to translate the potential into being a double-digit scorer as a sophomore.

And even if Grant or even Roberson is a legit second option (I tend to think JG will be), he and Fair will do most of their damage within 10 feet of the basket. Keita's likely to play a lot, and he is realistically not much of an offensive threat. I don't think we can expect Coleman or Christmas to be much of one either.

If Cooney and/or (less likely) Gbinje can be a consistent perimeter threat, then Ennis probably can just play field general for the most part. But if that doesn't happen, teams are going to collapse on Fair and Grant, mostly ignore Keita, and force Ennis to do things himself. He's almost going to need to take a lot of shots.

Agree 100%. Our offensive was painful to watch at times last season.

This year, I'll be curious to see two things: first, do we shoot the ball better collectively from three [especially from complimentary scorers]? Second, will we get more consistent inside scoring from the bigs, including Grant?

How these questions get answered will go a long way toward determining whether we'll continue to be semi-anemic or potent offensively.

 

[Flacusian]

Heck, I'm just excited about the prospect that we won't likely be seeing our point guard jump up with a twisting motion, have no option to pass to that is wearing Orange, and as a result fires the ball to a player on the opposite team who races down the court for an easy layup.

 

[jordoo]

It wasn't just the shooting last year. There were stretches were we really struggled to even get good shots for 5-6min at a time. (BTW this is the exact reason we were so good defensively in the NCAA's as teams went long stretches without ever getting the shots they wanted) I think regardless of how well we shoot it we will be much better in thataspect with Ennis as his thing is really keeping the offense going and moving to ball to players in position to do something toward their strength. MCW was more of the big hit assist variety IMO. We will see more hockey assist from Ennis as well as good quick early offense passes that get someone in position to make a play but don't register in the box score. That is the type of passing that is contagious to the team as well like 09 when almost everyone moved the ball well unless they had the shot they wanted.

 

[anomander]

Honestly I have the same amount of worry about Ennis as I do CJ...None.

He will be fine from day 1. Sure he may have an off game here and there, but everyone does. This kid is going to be special, we better enjoy him the next 2 seasons. I highly doubt we will see many growing pains with this kid. I will be shocked if we do.

 

[SaltLakeOrange]

I agree we are unlikely to see any of those train wreck shooting nights from Ennis.

And my comment about setting the bar too high for Ennis wasn't intended for you specifically, but more as a general observation about a lot of posts I've read on here lately. I think Ennis will ultimately be a very fine PG, but I'm willing to give him time to develop.

I expect him to be ready from game one and to just get better as the season goes on. Our success will be measured by how well we play defense. Shots will be there on offense. LGO!